Continental truck tires help drive London Eye

ERJ staff report (BC)

Fort Mill, South Carolina - Continental HSRs (Heavy Steer Regional truck tires) act as friction rollers along the wheel rim of the EDF Energy London Eye observation wheel. Each tire is turned by a hydraulic motor, and the rotation of the tires drives the entire wheel structure for a rotating view of the London skyline.

The Eye's drive systems are located in two towers, one at either end of the wheel's boarding platform.

The world's tallest (135m) cantilevered observation wheel weighs 1,200 tonnes and allows passengers to enjoy the sights of London from 32 fully enclosed capsules suspended over the River Thames. Each capsule has its own climate control and stability system.

Mark Robinson, head of technical operations for the Eye, said: "Continental truck tires were chosen for the turning mechanism because of their durability and reliability. They have to rotate along the rim of the London Eye throughout the hours of operation, and it's imperative that there be no down time and that maintenance be low. We have had no issues with the Continental tires.

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News release